I like to set a custom icon in Windows and pin them to my taskbar to make semi-permanent web apps.

Or, rather, it did: in a late 2018 update, Google disabled this functionality on Windows and macOS.

We cant tell you why Google decided that only its own ChromeOS devices would get this functionality from now on, though if youre upset at its loss, youre not alone.

Ive spent years using the Open as window function to make impromptu web apps easy to open and manage.

Heres how. Update: As of Chrome version 72, the open as window functionality linked above has been restored to the Windows version of Chrome.

Its available in Chrome on macOS, too, but you need to enable the following options in chrome:flags: The new bookmark app system allow hosted apps to be opened in windows Once both flags are enabled, click the Chrome menu button, then More tools, then Create shortcut.

Step One: Use Applicationize.me Applicationize.me turns any standard website into a downloadable CRX file, which can then be installed in Chrome as if it were a Chrome extension.

Note that normally, we advise users to be wary of unnecessary browser extensions and applications.

But in this case, youre merely using a standard website, and its no more dangerous than any other (though, do make sure the site itself isnt dangerous, of course).

To get this done, open the site you want to use as an Open as window link, then open Applicationize.me in a new tab.

Copy and paste the site from the first tab into the field marked WEB APP URL.

Click the web button that says GENERATE DOWNLOAD CHROME EXTENSION.

A CRX file, named after the web URL you used, will appear on your desktop.

Step Two: Install the CRX File Now open another tab in Chrome, and go to the address chrome:extensions.

This is a local browser page, showing all the extensions you have installed.

If you dont have it enabled already, enable the Developer mode switch in the top right corner.

Drag and drop the CRX file from your desktop onto the Extensions tab.

Step Three: Create the Shortcut Now open yet another new tab, this time going to Chrome:apps.

In Windows, it will ask whether you want them on the Desktop, Start Menu, or both.

For our example, well use the desktop, but it doesnt matter which you choose.

On macOS, it will download to the Chrome apps folder, which should open automatically.

Now when you double-click the shortcut, it will open the site you chose in its own window, with no address bar or other user interface elements.

Also, you wont have access to the context menu when you right-click a link (although you do still get a context menu when you right-click a picture).

You can place your shortcut anywhere in Windows or macOS, and it will act like a normal shortcut file.

Mac Chrome Shortcut For First Link